Track 12: Crystal Blue Persuasion

[jp1885]

“Did you feel any sensation of heat?” P asks the sailors.

He turns to Liz and whispers: “I suggest we test them for radiation.”

[Mr. Handy]

Liz nods. "My thoughts exactly," she says.

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

It seems there was a very brief sensation of intense heat, but it quickly faded away, so they didn't think much of it at the time, given everything else that was going on. Tests indicate brief exposure to radiation, but not to the point of being very dangerous.

[jp1885]

"This might seem as an odd question, but does any of the crew hail from the Ainu community?" P asks.

[Mr. Handy]

"They were only exposed briefly and should recover," says Liz, "but the satellite is likely carrying a radioactive payload. We're going to need radiation suits, like that other time."

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

"This might seem as an odd question, but does any of the crew hail from the Ainu community?" P asks.

As far as anyone can tell, none of the men have Ainu ancestry.

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

"They were only exposed briefly and should recover," says Liz, "but the satellite is likely carrying a radioactive payload. We're going to need radiation suits, like that other time."

Given this information, Takara Electronics is able to supply the investigators with new, much lighter than usual, radiation suits, which do not restrict the users' movements to the same degree as the usual design. They are designed to be used underwater at reasonably shallow depths as well, when necessary, each one carrying a small supply of pressurized air.

"They are experimental, however," Mister Nakamura advises them.

[SunlessNick]

"Do you know if there were any other ships about?" Zara asks Johnny.

[Mr. Handy]

"Thank you," says Liz with another bow. "We'll need a Geiger counter too, to detect radiation. If the satellite is radioactive, that will help us know when we get closer to it. Maybe I can modify it to better indicate the direction from which the radiation comes."

[jp1885]

“I will of course assist you,” says P.

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

"Do you know if there were any other ships about?" Zara asks Johnny.

"Nothing but deep blue sea for as far as the eye could see."

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

Fiddling around with the Geiger counter, the team comes up with something that can indicate the general direction and strength of a source of radiation. Because the Strait of Tatary is fairly shallow -- less that 700 feet at the deepest point -- they are given the use of a surface vessel and a small submersible.

"Anything else you need before you make this 'scientific expedition,'" Mister Nakamura says with a smile. "Our friends in the Soviet Union have been informed, of course, that you are a group of oceanographers studying the region, under the auspices of UNESCO."

[Mr. Handy]

"That will do nicely," says Liz. "We have the scientific knowledge to back up our cover. Is there anything else you two think we might need? Weapons, perhaps? Concealed, of course."

[jp1885]

"And some sonar equipment?" suggests P. "It would help to locate the underwater wreckage."

[SunlessNick]

"And something lead lined to put it in," Zara adds, remembering hearing about lead being good for that.

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

The requested equipment is supplied, including dart guns that can be used underwater or in the open air.

"For hunting and fishing," Mister Nakamura explains. "Tranquilizer darts as well as more lethal ammunition."

The investigators are shown aboard the research vessel, and trained in the use of the one-person submersible, which is pretty much just a metal sphere with windows, exterior lights, and a pair of grasping extensions, or waldoes.

[Mr. Handy]

Liz enjoys training with the sub, being enamored of technical devices in general.

[jp1885]

P also enjoys the training, as it demonstrates several interesting scientific phenomena. He is, however, rather less graceful than Liz in his operation of the equipment.

Otto also struggles somewhat; it being a tight fit and somewhat complicated for such a simple fellow.

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

Once inside the Strait of Tartary, the investigators spend several hours exploring the area. It's impossible to miss the fact that their movements are carefully watched by a Soviet fishing vessel, which happens to stay just far enough away for a telescope to observe them. The boat's instruments finally reveal a source of mild radioactivity coming from a point not far from Sakahlin Island, in the water, at a place where the strait is not much more than seven kilometers wide. It would be possible to send someone down in the submersible, or to explore the area in the underwater radiation suit (with external air supply, of course.)

[jp1885]

P considers his options for a moment.

“I think I would do more good in the submersible; my swimming days are somewhat in the past alas.”